Handbag assemblages

ABSTRACT

A handbag assemblage system with main bags and cover slip accessory bags for overlaying the main bag and hung therefrom by corresponding arrays of holes of such bags engaging projecting studs of the main bag, enabling a line of uncovered bags or a variety of covered bag assemblages for diverse aesthetic and functional purposes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority is claimed from Applicant's U.S. design patent applications(U.S. Ser. No. 29/374,354 DES and U.S. Ser. No. 29/374,356 41058 P02DES) both filed Aug. 3, 2001. The full content of said applications isincorporated herein by reference as though set out herein.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to handbags (hand carried purses, shoulderbags, briefcases, portable computer cases, book bags, clutches, andother forms of handbags) produced, sold and used as assemblages of amain bag and an accessory cover bag or sold as separate main and coverbag components intended to be assembled by a user, but all within acommon standard of connection and support means enabling a new fashionindustry paradigm. The covers are interchangeable on the main bag (withthe uncovered or “naked” bag as a further option) to afford multiplelooks, and multiple functionality choices and other benefits describedherein.

Handbags are produced and sold by suppliers and used bypurchasers/consumers (users) with consideration of functional andaesthetic factors, the latter often predominant.

It is the object of the present invention to effect improvement inproduction and sale and in user experience for such products (and forother classes of products) as described below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises handbags made as assemblages—including a mainholding item (“bag” or “pouch”) with arrays of projecting studs on oneor more sides or end regions (preferably on two opposite sides of anelongated bag). The studs are secured to the main bag at their proximalends and have enlarged size, and preferably are of approximatelyspherical form, at their distal ends. The studs can be made of plastic,ceramic, wood or metal preferably metal and more preferably brass,copper, nickel, aluminum or a non tarnishing precious metal such asgold, silver, platinum chromium or high tech metal such as titanium,nickel super alloy or molybdenum or aluminum alloys, or cermets. One ormore matching accessory cover slip pouches (bags) are provided to slideover the main bag (usually sliding over the bottom of the main bag andmoved upward but sidewise or top down sliding can also be done). Anarray of holes is provided on the accessory bags spaced to match theprojecting studs of the main pouch and be slid over them to thereby hangor otherwise support the accessory bag from main bag via the studs. Theholes are stress relieved, e.g. by one or more radial slits at theperiphery (and/or other artifacts to prevent tearing or enlargement) sothey can repeatedly pass over enlarged stud ends for putting the slipcover accessory bag on and off while not enlarging the holes, to thusavoid a fall-off condition or tearing. The multiples of studs and holearrays spread stresses so that there is no stress concentration on anyone hole.

The attributes and benefits of the assemblage system include thefollowing:

-   The user need not move contents from one bag (e.g. a purse) to    another. She simply uses a cover bag to, in effect, bring a new form    of bag to the contents, a great saving of time and avoidance of loss    or confusion in transfer of contents.-   The main bag will preferably have an openable/closable top    optionally with clasp, snap, zipper, magnets or other closure and    zipper, snap or hook-loop (Velcro) closeable or open internal    pockets for cosmetics, smart phone or other PDA, portable computer    or tablet, passport, gloves, e-book reader, wallet, etc.-   The cover accessory bag is easily spot cleaned, dry cleaned or    laundered, as appropriate to the material, with greater ease and    less cost than would be possible for the main bag.-   A suite of covers (say five in number) can be stored flat for use    with one or two main bags as opposed to having 12 to 14 bags and the    main bag(s) is (are) more durable because often used in diverse    assemblage covered or naked modes.-   The same main bag can be used in various assemblage or naked    choices, i.e. with and without cover slip accessory bags for diverse    occasions—day/evening, formal/informal, matching clothes ensembles    or making distinctive difference visual statements and/or seasonal    variations and different text or graphic, monograms, identifier (or    lack of identifiers) of the producer or users can be applied on the    main bag and various cover bags.-   The main bag, if damaged or soiled, can still be used by keeping it    covered until repaired, cleaned or replaced.-   From the viewpoint of the authorized producer or marketers a great    variety of styles and images at various price levels can be    established consistent with a standardized common core of production    equipment and techniques.-   Each of main bag and accessory bags can have a variety of materials    including woven and non-woven (e.g. flocked, meshed, spun) fabrics    made of natural and synthetic fibers, natural or faux leather or    thick fabric trims (belt or collar portions) that can add strength    at critical points and/or provide a sturdy look.-   Functional attributes such as water resistance, stain resistance,    reflectivity, insulation, color or other distinct identification (to    show club or common interest affiliation or for meeting a person for    the first time), RFID chips can be allocated to main bags and/or to    cover bags.-   The studs on the main bag for hanging accessory cover bags can be    one piece or two piece and the second piece can be a screw-on or    snap on distal enlarged end as a metal ball or tab (disk) piece,    diamond setting with diamond or even a light emitting diode (LED)    with battery and electrical circuit elements and switching within or    as part of connections in either or both of the main or accessory    bags with connection to the LED through, or bypassing studs.

Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description of preferred embodiments taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a clutch bag embodiment of the invention withprojecting studs without a cover;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the FIG. 1 clutch bag with a striped cover onit secured to the studs, and FIG. 213 shows the bag per se;

FIGS. 3A-3E show various forms of the accessory bags and portionsthereof;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an accessory bag almost assembled (4A) and fullyassembled (4B) with the main bag and FIGS. 4C-4E show three forms ofstud components;

FIG. 5 is a side view of such another bag without a cover and FIGS. 5Band 5C are side views of such bags with other covers;

FIG. 6 is an open top view of the bag of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the bag (the other end view being identical);

FIG. 8 is a side view of a satchel bag embodiment of the invention (thebag being open) showing a design for a satchel bag without a cover onit;

FIG. 9 is an open top view of the open satchel bag without a cover onit;

FIG. 10 is a top side angle view of the closed satchel bag with a coveron it secured to the side studs;

FIG. 11 is a side view showing the satchel bag with a cover on it; and

FIG. 12 is an end view of the satchel bag without a cover on it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a main bag embodiment 10 with a lower section 12 and uppersection 14. An integral handle 16 is provided at the upper section. Amonogram label may be provided as indicated at 17. An array of brassstuds 18 is provided at the upper section. The dividing line betweenupper or lower for purposes of this description can be at about 19A or19B or places in between. The bag 10 is elongated with opposing similarsides ends, bottom and has an opening top at upper section by dividingtwo semi-rigid or rigid flaps one of which is shown at 14A to expose theinterior. Other non-elongated forms can be provided, e.g. as circular orbox-like (tetrahedral) and parts designated arbitrarily as “sides” or“bottom.”

FIG. 2A shows the same bag (at a different scale) with an exterior coverbag accessory bag 20 (shown as such in FIG. 2B) placed over the mainpouch and hung from studs 18 via holes 22 in the accessory cover slipbag that pass over studs 18 repeatedly for putting the accessory bagon/off the main bag without permanent stretch or sag for hundreds tothousands of cycles and without tearing.

The views of the covered bag of FIG. 2A and of the cover in FIG. 2B arepreferably the same as the other hidden sides although optionally therespective lines of holes/studs can be made in models with asymmetry.However, symmetry is preferred for aesthetic reasons and functionally sothat cover can be oriented left or right and still slide over the mainbag and be received/attached.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show two forms 20A and 20B of the cover bag with holes22, the FIG. 3B embodiment differing from the embodiment of FIG. 2A inthat the bag 20B has a stiffening collar 21.

FIGS. 3C and 3D are cross sectional views (cut away) showing variants ofform of the bag 20A with the bag fabric tucked over at the upper edgeand stitched (hemmed) to be above the holes 22 (3C) or to overlap theholes 22 (3D). In FIG. 3C an external collar 21 is provided to sandwichthe upper end of the bag fabric and holes 22 pass through it.

FIG. 3B has holes 22 passing through the hemmed collar 21 as well as thefabric. FIG. 3F is a face view of a portion of fabric of any of the FIG.3A-3G or other embodiments with a radial slit S at the edge (preferablybottom edge) of each hole to relieve stress and allow the holes toclosely match expanded distal ends of studs but fit over them easily andavoid enlargement or tearing. In each case the shaft S4 mid-section ofeach stud accommodates the thickness of the cover bag fabric.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross section views of bags in process of assembly(4A) and as assembled (413), i.e. cover accessory bag 20 over main bag10, the holes 22 passing flexibly over the studs 18 and restrained bythe enlargement 18E at each of the stud ends. FIGS. 4C-4E show forms ofthe studs 22 on a section of main bag fabric F having interior (I) andexterior (E) faces, the studs having proximal base (B) and distal (D)ends, the latter of various expanded forms vis-à-vis a connecting shaftsection between the proximal and distal ends, the studs being one pieceor two pieces in FIG. 4E (22E1, 22E2). The expanded distal ends shapescan be approximately spherical, elliptical, flat tab or other formation.

Other bags are shown at FIGS. 5A (uncovered), 5B (covered), and 5C(covered).

FIG. 6 shows bags of previous embodiments opened at the top flaps 14A,14B by revealing a magnetic latch 24 that has portions on each of flaps14A, 14B and FIG. 7 shows such a bag closed in an end view, a view fromthe other (hidden) end being the same. As noted above, other forms ofclosing the main bag can be employed.

Permissible variants include arrays of studs and matching holes indiagonal line arrays or arced or sinuous line arrays instead of theshown straight line essentially horizontal arrays, reinforcement bymetal or plastic wires in a hemmed pocket 20P at the tops of main andaccessory bags (as indicated at 20W in FIGS. 4A-4B) for strengthening.

Large holes of circular, rectangular, cruciform, wave or other forms canbe provided on the accessory cover slip bags to mix/match face patternsof main and accessory bags.

The accessory bags can provide functional as well as aestheticmodification of the assemblages—water resistance, scuff protection.Handle and shoulder straps can be affixed to or integral with either orboth of the main and accessory bags.

Reference to handbags herein includes purses of all kinds as notedabove, beach bags, shopping bags of all sizes, gym bags, flexiblecarryalls of all kinds, portable computer covers and other carryingcases. The main and outer bags can be of like or different fabric types,with or without strengthening collars or belts. The studs can be formedin one piece or in multi-part assemblies, e.g. a shaft with a threadeddistal end to which a ball or other form of the end, with a threadedhole, is screwed for functional and/or aesthetic effects allowing arange of options. Snaps, bayonet grips or frictional holds can be usedin lieu of screw connections. The proximal ends of studs can have asingle base secured to a main bag fabric outside or inside surfaces orwith double base portions sandwiching the fabric section and clipped,sewn, evoked, riveted or otherwise secured to the fabric. The mainsurface of the cover accessory bag can be altered or thickened, as awhole or in portions, by foam, non-woven fabric padding or bubble-wraplinings for insulation, impact protection and/or a puffed out look.Pleats or ribs can be added to accessory bag at spaces between the holesthat engage main bag studs.

Optionally the slip cover accessory bags can be made to be side insertedor top inserted and secured to the main bag with corresponding changesto the main bag's stud placements if need be.

The structural, functional concepts described above for bags can beapplied in essentially like manner to other products—footwear (e.g.shoes, boots, flats, flip flops, sandals); clothing of all typesincluding headbands, scarves, shawls, belts and ties as well as skirts,pants, pullovers, shirts, sweaters, jackets, etc.); house wares (tablecloths, valences over curtains, drapes or shears, bedspreads, sofapillows/shams, etc.).

It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that otherembodiments, improvements, details, and uses can be made consistent withthe letter and spirit of the foregoing disclosure and within the scopeof this patent, which is limited only by the following claims, construedin accordance with the patent law, including the doctrine ofequivalents.

1. A handbag assemblage system comprising: (a) a main bag with an upperopening, opposing sides, opposite ends and a bottom with arrays of studswith proximal and distal ends and an intervening shaft, of at leastthree per array, with arrays projecting from opposite sides at an upperportion of the main bag; (b) one or more corresponding cover slipaccessory bags of form and size essentially similar to that of all or aportion of the main bag, slidable over the main bag and having holestherein in arrays corresponding to the main bag studs arrays that aresized and constructed to pass over the studs as assembly is completed tohang the accessory bag from the main bag or otherwise engage the twobags.
 2. The handbag assemblage system of claim 1 wherein the studs areconnected to the main bag at their proximal ends, project outwardlytherefrom and have enlarged portions at their distal ends.
 3. Thehandbag assemblage of claim 2 wherein the holes of the cover bags havestress relief constructs to prevent tearing or enlargement from repeatedpassing over the studs' enlarged distal ends.
 4. The handbag assemblysystem of claim 2 wherein the studs are of one piece form with aproximal base, shaft or pin like intermediate section and enlargeddistal end.
 5. The handbag assembly system of claim 2 wherein the studsare of two piece form.
 6. The handbag assemblage system of claim 5wherein the stud distal end is a distinct portion of it attachableto/removal from the stud at its distal end.
 7. A multi-form articlehaving a main piece with an array of at least two studs projecting fromit and one or more separate accessory cover pieces, each with an arrayof at least two holes therein, sized and arranged to pass over the mainpiece's studs' distal ends for engagement of the cover piece with themain piece and engagement therefor, the studs having proximal and distalends and an intermediate shaft portion and being attached to the mainpiece at stud proximal ends and having an enlarged distal end forretaining the cover piece after engagement.
 8. The article of claim 7comprising a main bag as the main piece and a suite of at least twocover bags each serving as a cover bag, each of the cover bags beingengageable and disengageable with the main bag via their respectivestuds and hole arrangements.
 9. The article of claim 7 as a clothing orfootwear product.
 10. The article of claim 7 as a house ware product.